International FZP CZU

💧🌿 Field trip to Hostivice — learning how to read a stream like a scientist.

Not far from Prague, we explored water quality in a local stream using basic water quality measurements like pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity, and also performing kick sampling and catching aquatic organisms as bioindicators of the quality of the environment. Among the finds were EPT species (a good sign of cleaner water, ephemeroptera, plecoptera, trichoptera - mayfly, stonefly and caddiesfly larvaes), but also worms, snails, and leeches — pointing to more oxygen-poor (anoxic) conditions, likely influenced by sediments coming from nearby fish ponds (yes, we spotted carps too 🐟).

Along the stream, we could clearly see the difference between clean and eutrophicated sections, especially near a wastewater treatment plant discharge, where increased nutrients led to visible algal growth.

Students also carried out hydromorphological assessments of different stream sections, looking at how physical structure influences ecological status.

The kick sampling and bioindicator work were part of the Teaching about Water project supported by EU Interreg program, showing how student-led ideas can turn into real field-based learning experiences.

Science, teamwork, and muddy boots — that’s how we do it 💚